Send us a text

You’ve heard the advice: “Teach your child to name their emotions.”

But what if the real secret to helping your child (and yourself) regulate emotions starts deeper inside the body?

In this episode, I sit down with pediatric occupational therapist Laura Petix (The OT Butterfly) to uncover what’s really going on when kids have meltdowns, get overstimulated, or shut down. Spoiler alert: it’s not about being “bad” or “defiant.”

Laura explains how your child’s behavior is actually a message from their nervous system and why understanding this changes everything about the way you respond.

You’ll learn:

• Why meltdowns, shutdowns, and big reactions are signs of nervous-system overload
• How sensory sensitivities (sound, touch, movement) shape your child’s emotions and behavior
• The difference between a tantrum and a meltdown and why that matters
• Why co-regulation starts with your calm nervous system
• The mindset shift that helps you see behavior through compassion instead of control

If you’ve ever wondered “Why does my child react this way — and why do I lose my cool, too?” this episode will open your eyes to what’s really happening beneath the surface.

Listen now and get ready to see your child’s behavior through a completely new lens.

Get Laura's Book: A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

Follow Laura on Instagram @theotbutterfly

Support the show

Join our Reflective Parenting Program to learn the science-based skills parents (and their kids) need to thrive: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

Record your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast

Book a spot in my calendar to chat about your challenges:

https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-with-cindy-reflective-parent-club-clone

Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions

Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube